2013 NFL Rookies

[BINGO]

Josh Boyce - WR - Patriots

ESPN Boston says Josh Boyce "seems to be a notch below" Aaron Dobson in terms of his place within in the offense.

Boyce has more long speed than Dobson or Kenrell Thompkins, but he's clearly behind both on the depth chart. Boyce has produced just five catches for 27 yards despite playing 112 preseason snaps already. Beat man Mike Reiss believes Dobson "has the highest upside of all the young pass-catchers."
Source: ESPN Boston

Aug 29 - 10:32 AM

 

[BINGO]

Tyler Wilson - QB - Raiders

Tyler Wilson hasn't gotten a single snap in either of the last two preseason games.

Wilson has fallen well behind undrafted free agent and former Penn State walk-on Matt McGloin for the No. 3 job. His big chance comes Thursday night, as he'll finally get extended preseason action. Wilson's roster spot is not secure despite his fourth-round pick status.
Source: San Francisco Chronicle

Aug 29 - 9:57 AM

 

[BINGO]

Ezekiel Ansah - DL - Lions

Lions first-round RE Ziggy Ansah may have sustained a concussion Saturday.

Ansah left Saturday's practice after taking a shot from guard Leroy Harris and hasn't practiced since. He also skipped a luncheon Wednesday, along with the Lions' other injured players. If Ansah did sustain a concussion, he has ten days to get cleared before the Lions open up against the Vikings.
Source: Detroit News

Aug 29 - 8:11 AM

 

[BINGO]

Montee Ball - RB - Broncos

Montee Ball was the first player mentioned by Peyton Manning when he addressed the running back position in Denver's offense.

"We have some young players," said Manning. "We have some first-year starters, potentially at tight end, and we're going to have a young running back. Montee Ball is going to play a lot." Manning didn't mention Ronnie Hillman or Knowshon Moreno. The Broncos plan to use something of a rotation in the backfield, but most signs point toward Ball opening the season as Denver's lead and goal-line back. He'll be a dice-roll flex play in Week 1 against Baltimore.
Source: Denver Post

Aug 28 - 10:49 PM

 

[BINGO]

Barkevious Mingo - LB - Browns

Browns first-round OLB Barkevious Mingo (bruised lung) is not expected back until Week 2.

Mingo had to be hospitalized after sustaining his injury against the Lions on Aug. 15. It's the kind of ailment that takes extended time to recovery from because he can't keep up with conditioning work. Mingo, the No. 6 overall pick, is slated to serve as a rotational rusher behind Paul Kruger and Jabaal Sheard this season.
Source: Adam Schefter on Twitter

Aug 29 - 10:49 AM

 

[BINGO]

E.J. Manuel - QB - Bills

E.J. Manuel (knee) has not resumed throwing yet.

Manuel is still in the strengthening and rehab phase of his recovery from an Aug. 18 procedure. Coach Doug Marrone wants him to get in three quality practices before putting the first-round rookie under center. If Manuel can't get back for Week 1, undrafted rookie Jeff Tuel is in line to start.
Source: Buffalo News

Aug 29 - 11:42 AM

 

[BINGO]

Ezekiel Ansah - DL - Lions


Lions RE Ziggy Ansah didn't make the trip to Buffalo for Thursday's preseason finale, and is believed to be concussed.

That's the feeling of beat writer Dave Birkett. Coach Jim Schwartz absurdly passed up another opportunity to confirm Ansah's injury, but didn't deny it, either. With the NFL shelling out $765 million in its Thursday concussion settlement, you'd think it would get the word out to its coaches to be more transparent about head injuries.
Source: Detroit Free Press

Aug 30 - 9:19 AM

 

[BINGO]

DeAndre Hopkins - WR - Texans

DeAndre Hopkins passed his concussion protocol and will play in Sunday's opener against the Chargers.

Hopkins, who suffered a serious concussion during a car accident while at Clemson, finally gains clearance after sustaining his concussion on Aug. 17. He'll get a full week of practice in and then start at "Z" receiver opposite Andre Johnson. Hopkins is a wait-and-see fantasy player as he starts off behind both Johnson and Owen Daniels for targets.
Source: John McClain on Twitter

Sep 3 - 12:47 PM

 

[BINGO]

Ezekiel Ansah - DL - Lions

Rookie RE Ziggy Ansah (possible concussion) observed Lions practice Tuesday, and coach Jim Schwartz hinted he'll be ready for Sunday's opener.

"I think we’ll be fairly healthy going into the first game," Schwartz said. "About the best we could expect coming out of training camp." The Lions will have to officially designate Ansah's injury and status on Wednesday's injury report.
Source: Detroit Free Press

Sep 3 - 2:00 PM

 

[BINGO]

Barkevious Mingo - LB - Browns

Browns OLB Barkevious Mingo (bruised lung) needs to undergo "further medical testing" before his Week 1 status is determined.

Mingo got in a limited practice on Monday. "I think that we’re pleased in how he’s doing and the fact that he’s back out on the field, limited, but back out on the field," CEO Joe Banner said. Mingo is unlikely to make his NFL debut before Week 2.
Source: Akron Beacon-Journal

Sep 3 - 3:07 PM

 

[BINGO]

Le'Veon Bell - RB - Steelers

Coach Mike Tomlin suggested that Le'Veon Bell (foot) has been ruled out of Week 1 because of missed practice time, not his injury.

Tomlin continues to downplay the severity of Bell's injury every chance he gets. His comments from Tuesday suggest that once the second-round rookie gets a few practices under his belt, he'll quickly be back in the backfield mix. Tomlin even suggested Bell could get some limited work in as soon as this week. If Bell can sustain health, he'll be the Steelers' workhorse back sooner rather than later. Week 1 starter Isaac Redman is a replacement-level talent. Related: Isaac Redman
Source: Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Sep 4 - 8:33 AM

 

[BINGO]

E.J. Manuel - QB - Bills

E.J. Manuel (knee) will start Sunday's Week 1 game against the Patriots.

Manuel is fully recovered from his Aug. 18 minor meniscus cleanup as he got back in practice last Sunday and worked out again without complication Monday. Health won't be an issue against the Pats, but effectiveness could be. Although Manuel impressively went 26-of-33 (78.8 percent) for 199 yards with two touchdowns and no interceptions in two preseason games, he's raw for a first-round rookie. Expect the Bills to implement a run-heavy attack and limit the passing game to short throws. Manuel will be a shaky QB2 this week.

lSep 4 - 8:18 AM

 

[BINGO]

Kenny Stills - WR - Saints

The Times-Picayune suggests Robert Meachem won't be among the Saints' top-four receivers initially.

In theory, Meachem's signing was awful news for rookie Kenny Stills because they play the same position and role in the offense. But it looks like the Saints are going to let Stills try to run with the No. 3 job initially and see how he handles it. If the impressive fifth-rounder plays like he did in the preseason (7/140/2), Meachem will just be a deep reserve on a minimum flier contract. Stills remains a stash in deeper fantasy leagues. Related: Robert Meachem, Nick Toon
Source: New Orleans Times-Picayune

Sep 4 - 8:50 AM

 

[BINGO]

Geno Smith - QB - Jets

Geno Smith will start Sunday's Week 1 game against the Bucs, as expected.

Mark Sanchez never really had a chance. Coach Rex Ryan and the front office have reportedly "moved on" from the overpaid Sanchez, instead choosing to rebuild around their second-round rookie. Once Sanchez injured his throwing shoulder, the decision was easy. Smith backs into the starting role after going 22-of-37 (59.5 percent) for 246 yards with one touchdown and three interceptions in the preseason. He did not record any rushing statistics. Even owners in two-quarterback leagues should be able to do better this week. Smith is a virtual lock to struggle against Darrelle Revis and company Sunday.

Sep 4 - 9:38 AM

 

[BINGO]

Eddie Lacy - RB - Packers

Eddie Lacy is listed as the Packers starting running back, as expected.

Lacy earned the feature back role by outplaying James Starks and Johnathan Franklin in the preseason. His status as a workhorse was cemented when DuJuan Harris (knee) was lost for the year. Lacy has a brutal Week 1 matchup in San Francisco, setting up a potential "buy low" situation ahead of Week 2. The argument that the Packers' offense doesn't support a running game is silly -- Cedric Benson averaged 14.2 carries per game last year and Ryan Grant got 17.6 carries per game in 2009. The Packers know they need balance to keep Aaron Rodgers upright.
Source: Rob Demovsky on Twitter

Sep 4 - 9:12 AM

 

[BINGO]

Tyler Eifert - TE - Bengals

Bengals first-round TE Tyler Eifert was reportedly "spectacular" in training camp practices.

Eifert's momentum was stunted by a minor wrist injury that caused him to miss the final two preseason games. "He needs reps. It is a concern," said offensive coordinator Jay Gruden. Eifert's talent isn't in question, but he'll be eased into the offense alongside Jermaine Gresham. There's far more Dynasty appeal than redraft here.
Source: Cincinnati Enquirer

Sep 4 - 12:34 PM

 

[BINGO]

Kenjon Barner - RB - Panthers

Panthers RB Kenjon Barner (ankle) is not practicing Wednesday.

Barner hasn't practiced since going down in the preseason finale and is shaping up as a Week 1 inactive. Mike Tolbert will get the work behind DeAngelo Williams.
Source: Steve Reed on Twitter

Sep 4 - 12:27 PM

 

[BINGO]

Barkevious Mingo - LB - Browns

Browns OLB Barkevious Mingo (bruised lung) was limited in Wednesday's practice.

It's the third straight day he's practiced on a limited basis. Mingo hasn't had any setbacks, but the Browns will continue to move him along slowly. He'll undergo "further medical testing" before his Week 1 status is determined.
Source: Akron Beacon-Journal

Sep 4 - 1:45 PM

 

[BINGO]

Dustin Hopkins - K - Bills

Bills K Dustin Hopkins (groin) has been ruled out for Week 1.

Hopkins is out indefinitely after suffering a groin injury in Monday's practice. Dan Carpenter will replace him until he's ready to return.
Source: Tim Graham on Twitter

Sep 4 - 2:02 PM

 

[BINGO]

E.J. Manuel - QB - Bills

Coach Doug Marrone says E.J. Manuel (knee) is "110 percent" healthy and has "no limitations."

The Bills already announced Manuel as the Week 1 starter Wednesday morning after he returned for three straight practices from Sunday through Tuesday. The only issue is going to be how rusty Manuel is. He hasn't played in a game since Week 2 of the preseason on August 16. Expect a heavy dose of C.J. Spiller and the run game this week, while Manuel focuses on getting his timing back with short-to-intermediate passes. Manuel is nothing more than a mid-level QB2.
Source: Mark Gaughan on Twitter

Sep 4 - 2:14 PM